Baseball: Clausen does it all for Southold against Smithtown Christian

It could not get much better for Southold senior right-hander Kyle Clausen on Friday afternoon.

Clausen was brilliant, allowing only two hits, striking out nine batters and driving in what proved to be the winning run for the First Settlers (4-4, 4-4) in their 3-0 win over Smithtown Christian in Suffolk League IX baseball action.

Shortstop Luke Hokanson smacked Dylan Prince’s first pitch for a triple and, two batters later, Clausen drove him in with a single. Third baseman Alex Poliwoda’s double brought Clausen home as Southold recorded its fourth consecutive win. The victory avenged three losses to Smithtown Christian earlier this season.

Left fielder Matt Reilly added his first career home run in the third inning.